The Memphis appeal. [volume] (Memphis, Tenn.) 1886-1890, 1887-02-19
The TEXAS OUTRAGES.
TESTIMONY AS TO SOME DIRTY
BUSINESS
On the Part OF Political IntimidatOrs
and Ballot Box Stnffers-Fhe
Other Side Not Heard.

WAsHINaroE, February l8.-Bsfore
the Texas Investigation Committee,
today, Charles Bauer, German, was
examined. Had lived in Burton, Tex,
twelve years. Moved to Texas from
Philadelphia twenfy-one years ago.
Was one Of the Republican Judges at
Burton polling place. Witness was
one of the commit appointed at an
Indignation meeting held at Burton
after the hanging of the negroes, to
condemn ths GU RACES, "the hanging
and running men cut OF the county,"
1t was meeting of citizsns regardless
Of politics. Probably, however, there
was a mai 7rity of Republicans, but
prominent Democrat took part. REQ
lutions were Opted in accordance
with the purpose for which the meet
ing was called. Witness had personal
knowledge that Joe Hoffman, Tax As
SCISSOR of the county, and Others had
received notice, signed "Citizsns," to
leave the county. The receipt of
these notices was stated publicly at
the meeting and the fact was not
questioned by any one. The riots and
irregularities were talked about an no
one denied their occurrence. They
were alluded to in the presm ole OF the
resolutions and the document itself
declared it to be the purpose of the
people OF Burton TO protect all law
abiding citizens in their persons and
properly. Copies were sent to the
papers. The Bonham Banner refused
topublish the resolutions. The Gal
weston Neiss published them in
full. The COMMITTEES appointed con-
sisted OF two tr three Republicans
and three or four Democrats. Men
were appointed by the committee to
guard Mr.. Hoffman and his property
during the next ten or twelve days.
By that time the excitement had died
out. Mr.. Hoffman had discharged the
duties Of his office and was doir g 80
today.
g. w. Brown, colored, County Com
missioner, was r. called and identified
q paper he found pinned to his saddle.
1t was as folio We: sc W. Brown: AS
RepublicaDism is dead in Washington
county, you bad better resign and
leave the county, or you will be
killed" The signature was the picture
Of a COT ked gun.
@. B. Potter testified that he received
the following pepper through the mails:
"December 3lst, To o. B. Potter: Sir
We have been waiting fer some time
for you to arrange your business and
leave this county. This is to notify you
that If you persist in staying many
days longer you will be dealt with in a
very severe manner. (Signed) Cit.
Gems w. County"
Lswis Bryan, a prominent Demo-
cratic lawyer, told witnesses that he
had helped Hackworth to find pur-
chaser for his property, AID had had
hard work in keeping the mob off un-
til the transaction could be con- pleted
and the man could get away. Witness
left town for eight days because of
threats made against him.
w. II. Blount, co ored, farmer, was
examined. He was Republican can
didate for the Legislature and was
counted out, his opponent having So
majority. Three ballot boxes were
Destroyed, one pc ling place was not
opened, aud at enc the Republican
tickets were thrown out. Witness
thought he should have had about
1000 majority. Witness received the
following by mail: Brennan, Tex,
December 9, 18S6-You are hereby
notified to leave the county without
further warning. (signed) Com
mittee."
A stranger, a white man, also gave
him verbal notice to the same effect.
1t was rumoIed that the colored peo-
pie had planned an instruction, of
which witness was said to be the
head. There was never the s'ightest
foundation for the rumor. VIM. W.
Hackworth, con of the memorialist and
still resident of Brenham, was st the
indignation hall meeting when Jude
Kirk offered resolutions giving twenty
four hours for Hackworth, Moore and
Schuetze, the memorislists, to leave
town. The resolutions were received
with cheers, and witness YVES scared
and left for his fathers house. imme.
diately.
AJsa-.naI t,ll kovoorrou,